Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, has reaffirmed the country's commitment to leveraging diplomacy as a tool for strengthening global health systems, during a high-level symposium hosted by the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in Dar es Salaam.
The forum, convened under the theme “Advancing Global Health Services through Diplomacy”, brought together policymakers, academics, diplomats, and health professionals to discuss how foreign policy can contribute to improved access to healthcare and medical innovations across borders.
In his keynote address, Minister Kombo highlighted Tanzania’s evolving approach to diplomacy, citing the country’s newly revised Foreign Policy, launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on May 19, 2025.
The updated 2024 edition of the 2001 Foreign Policy was unveiled alongside a new Guide to Economic Diplomacy, which outlines strategies for applying diplomatic efforts to strengthen critical sectors including health.
“Our foreign policy is no longer confined to traditional statecraft. It now recognises that diplomacy must also serve our people through tangible development outcomes—especially in sectors like health, where international collaboration can save lives,” Kombo told the audience.
He commended MUHAS students and researchers for taking early leadership in promoting health diplomacy, noting that Tanzania’s expanding role as a regional destination for medical services is a direct result of these efforts.
“Tanzania is becoming a medical hub, attracting patients from beyond our borders. This is a remarkable shift one that not only boosts our national image but also reduces the cost of sending Tanzanians abroad for treatment,” he said.
The symposium marked a critical moment in the country’s health diplomacy journey, reinforcing Tanzania’s ambition to be at the forefront of global health cooperation.
Discussions at the event focused on building resilient health systems through international partnerships, enhancing medical training exchanges, and improving cross-border responses to emerging health threats.
With growing regional interest in Tanzania’s healthcare infrastructure, officials say diplomatic efforts must continue to complement medical advancements to ensure equitable and sustainable growth in the sector.
The forum is part of a broader movement among African nations to integrate health more prominently into their foreign policy agendas, amid increasing global recognition that health is a central pillar of national security and development.